Bavaria Downs is an absolutely beautiful wedding venue. With its European charm, this private estate is tucked back into the rolling hills of Chaska and was the perfect setting to host Kristen and Connors August summer wedding. As grads from KU, Kristen, and Connor occasionally crossed paths while they were in college. Both being from Minnesota, they would drive back-and-forth together (along with a bunch of their Minnesota friends) and realized along the way, they both shared a sense of adventuring and eventually fell in love. Their admiration and joy is contagious to all around them, and I couldn’t wait to celebrate their wedding day alongside them and their family and friends.
The morning began in the Edward Anne Estates countryside bridal suite with the girls getting ready. Mimosas were clinked as Ziel Bridal took care of hair and make up for Kristen and her bridesmaids. Kristen‘s mom helped her get into her breathtaking Calla Blanche gown from Annika bridal while Connor and his groomsmen kept busy in the Club Room playing pool and cards. He eventually was helped into his emerald green Martin Patrick 3 suit from Atmosfere while his groomsmen dressed in their suits and floral ties from Etsy.
Kristen and Connor chose to do their first look on the terrace of the estate. After an emotional and tearful, first look, we perused the estate for couple photos. Family and the wedding party eventually joined us for more photots. The bridesmaids looked amazing in their dresses from Azazie and the florals that Kate Elliscu created popped when paired with the tan suits and lavendar dresses. We finished with family photos just before guests arrived in summer soirée for the ceremony. Pops of color dabbled the beautiful ceremony site as guests overlooked the landscape of tall grasses and shimmering lake. Connor and Kristen exchanged vows and rings from Landmark Jewelers. They also included a water pouring ceremony of water from Lake Minnetonka and water from the Pacific Ocean in California where the couple now resides into their ceremony. Guests cheered as they were pronounced husband and wife and as the couple exited, they were covered in rose petals. D’amico catering provided an assortment of cocktail hour appetizers and refreshing cocktails for the afternoon. Connor and Kristen toasted their bridal party and then headed into the reception for their first dance.
After the first dance, we headed out for an incredible golden hour and returned just in time for dinner from D’Amico and toasts by the grooms father, maid of honors, and best man. Lucky of Harmony DJ got one incredible party going while Dena and Matt from We do Wedding Videography captured the entire day on film. We ended the night with a beautiful sparkler exit and joy had by all. Kristen and Connor, it was an honor to document your day! Best wishes to you both as you start on your next adventure together!
Ceremony and Reception:: Bavaria Downs; Edward Anne Estate // Hair and Make-up:: Ziel Bridal // Wedding dress:: Calla Blanche purchased at Annika Bridal // Florals:: Kate Elliscu // Mensware:: Martin Patrick 3 purchased at Atmosfere // Rings:: Landmark Jewelers // Bridesmaid dresses:: Azazie // DJ:: Lucky of Harmony DJ Entertainment // Caterer:: D’Amico Catering // Video:: Dena and Matt of We Do Wedding Videography // Shuttle Service:: Renee’s Limo // Photobooth:: Bellagala // Groomsmen Ties:: Etsy //